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Crossing guards still needed for school year

As the school year draws near, the Grafton Police Department is seeking crossing guards to help students cross streets safely.

The department has experienced a shortage of applicants since last spring and needs two crossing guards at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Washington Street.

“We haven’t gotten any applicants as of yet,” Police Sgt. Sean Fuerstenberg said, noting the village requires two crossing guards for that particular intersection next to St. Joseph Parish School because of heavy traffic volume.

“I would say it’s the busiest intersection for the district,” Fuerstenberg said.

In response to a shortage of crossing guards in the past, the department has had an officer handle traffic duties, which can be a strain on the department’s resources.

“It takes away an officer from being on the road or taking calls and other duties,” Fuerstenberg said. “For about two months, there was a complete vacancy at the intersection, so we had to have an officer there every morning and afternoon.”

The position requires crossing guards to cover a split shift from 7:10 to 8:20 a.m. and 2:40 to 3:50 p.m. The work pays about $12 per hour.

“It’s not a big money maker but it’s a very important and necessary job to help the children get to and from school safely,” Fuerstenberg said.

While there have been no accidents involving children at the intersection in the past, there have been some close calls. Fuerstenberg said he credits the public servants for keeping the crosswalk safe for youngsters.

He said some of the primary reasons for a lack of volunteers include having to occasionally work in inclement weather and people assuming there is a plethora of crossing guards available.

Fuerstenberg said no experience is required and he will train volunteers during the first day of school Sept. 4.

For people interested in becoming a crossing guard, contact Fuerstenberg at the police department by calling (262) 375-5320.

“Crossing guards are often overlooked but without them some of the close calls could have turned out worse,” he said. “They also become popular volunteers among the students.”